Take a hike in Central New York

David Lassman/The Post-Standard, 2008 Patricia Parker and Shirley Wilcox, both of Pompey, hike at Highland Forest in Fabius.

Hiking can be an easy stroll through the forest or a heart-pumping, sweaty trek. Central New York is full of great places to explore.
• Beaver Lake Nature Center, Baldwinsville: Turn onto East Mud Lake Road from Route 370. This is an Onondaga County park, which charges a $2 per car fee. Gentle, varied terrain provides hikes from 0.3 miles to 3 miles.

• Highland Forest, Fabius: Take Route 91 south to Fabius, then Route 80 east to the Highland Park Road turn-in. This is an Onondaga County park, which asks a $2 per car donation. Includes a self-guided nature trail and 20 miles of hiking.

• Baltimore Woods Nature Center, Marcellus: Take West Seneca Turnpike into Marcellus. Turn south on South Street until the Bishop Hill Road fork. Follow signs to the parking lot. Trails are open dawn to dusk daily. Donations appreciated.

• Green Lakes State Park, Fayetteville: Turn into this state park from Route 290 near the Old Erie Canal State Park or from Route 5 near Four Seasons Golf and Ski Center. Beginning the first weekend of May, it's $6 per car weekends only. Memorial Day through Labor Day it's $7 per car daily.

• Bear Swamp, Sempronius: A picturesque state reforestation area in southeastern Cayuga County off Route 41A with several vantage points overlooking Skaneateles Lake. It contains about 15 miles of trails.

• Adirondack Mountain Club hikes: The Onondaga Chapter of the Adirondack Club sponsors free hikes throughout the area and the Adirondacks. For more, see www.adk.com.